The interdisciplinary eXtraOrdinarY Kids Team is pleased to offer a Research Internship for trainees interested in learning more about sex chromosome aneuploidies and pediatric clinical research.
About the eXtraOrdinarY Kids Program: The eXtraOrdinarY Kids program is focused on improving the lives of youth affected by sex chromosome aneuploidies through excellent clinical care and research. Sex chromosome aneuploidies are genetic conditions in which an extra or missing X or Y chromosome is present. 1 in 400 babies are born with an extra or missing sex chromosome, but only a handful of centers around the world are conducting research to learn more about these conditions and how best to care for them. Our clinical-translational research program applies multiple methodologies (retrospective and prospective observational studies, translational science, intervention trials, secondary data analyses, surveys, qualitative methods, etc.) to answer important clinical questions with the goal of improving patient outcomes in these genetic conditions, with a focus on neurodevelopmental, endocrine, and health outcomes. Our interdisciplinary team includes Developmental Pediatrics (Dr. Tartaglia), Pediatric Endocrinology (Dr. Davis), neuropsychology, psychology, genetic counseling, speech and occupational therapy, and study coordinators. Students play a crucial role on our team with a project suited to their experience and goals. In addition to identifying and completing a project, student interns will have the opportunity to assist with patient visits for our ongoing studies focused on neurodevelopment and early cardiometabolic health in infants and toddlers with sex chromosome aneuploidies.
The internship experience:
• Hands-on exposure to clinic and clinical research
• Assigned Mentored Scholarly Project
• Educational Seminars for professional development
• Opportunity to present your scholarly project in a professional research setting at the eXtraOrdinarY Kids Research eXpo
Eligibility:
• Be enrolled in or recently graduated from undergraduate, graduate, or medical school (Exceptional high school juniors and seniors will be considered on an individual basis)
• Interest in learning more about pediatric clinical research in sex chromosome aneuploidies
• Possess a “can-do” attitude and a customer service orientation
• Self-motivated with a desire for personal growth
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Fluency in using Microsoft Office Suite products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Teams)
• Ability to work at the University of Colorado, including passing a background check and COVID immunization
Preference will be given to individuals from communities that are underrepresented in medicine or those that bring diversity to the healthcare field.
Applicants must be available full time for a minimum of 8 weeks during the summer months (May – Sept). Start and end dates can vary depending on academic curriculum, but all student interns need to be available the last week in June (seminar series) and the last week in July (eXtraOrdinarY Kids Research eXpo). Some onboarding paperwork and/or training will be required several weeks prior to starting.
Although not required, this internship is most valuable for trainees interested in careers in medicine, behavioral health, genetic counseling, public health, biomedical or psychosocial research, or education.
Stipend: $3,500 stipend will be provided for successful applicants selected for the internship. Housing and transportation to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus are the responsibility of the intern.
Application Timeline: Deadline to apply is March 12. Applicants will be selected for interview by April 3 and finalist will be notified of the final decision by April 17.
